APTIVE 


CAPTIVE  MEMORIES. 


v 


CAPTIVE  MEMORIES. 


IO.VG  is  the  fulfilling  of  the  Law. 
•••'  '""•-  '   '"•  —    '  -••' 


JAMBS  I  WHITE  &  COMPANY 


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£ 


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1897,    BY   JAMES  T.    WHITE   &   CO. 


INTRODUCTION. 

/  7*  VER  Y  heart  has  its  anniversary  days.  It  keeps 
'  •*  so/ne  of  t/iein  in  the  company  of  its  friends,  but 
many  of  them  it  keeps  in  its  secret  c/ia»iber  alone, — 
save  perhaps  for  the  companionship  of  tears.  Hut 
tears  are  the  handmaidens  of  Joy  as  well  as  of  Sor 
row,  and  are  often  delightful  companions.  It  is  these 
unacknowledged  anniversaries  that  are  here  commem 
orated. 

Hut  these  anniversary  Memories  are  more  than 
merely  commemorative  ;  tliey  lead  the  heart  upward, 
step  by  step,  through  the  various  phases  of  human  af 
fection,  from  its  delicious  awakening,  its  tender 
avowal,  its  chastening  farewell,  its  trusting  "/ 
wait,"  to  heights  of  spiritual  experience,  from  whose 
summits  the  spiritual  sense  looks  over  into  the  prom 
ised  land  of  God's  hme,  and  perceives  that  Love  is  the 
all  of  life — and  God. 

These  fragrant  memories  are  Xature's  lullabies, 
with  which  she  smoothes  her  children's  restless  pil 
lows,  and  sends  them  smiling  to  their  final  sleep.  Hut 
they  take  flight  at  the  noise  and  bustle  of  t  It  is  work-a- 
day  world,  and  are  reluctant  to  return,  for  all  the 
heart's  enticement. 

It  is  the  purpose  of  this  little  volume  to  prepare  for 
these  heart  memories  an  abiding  place,  to  which  it 
may  charm  them  back,  a>id,  perchance,  betray  them 
to  captivity . 


SALUTATION. 


"  Each  heart  recalled  a  different  name, 
But  all  sang  '  Annie  Laurie,'  " 


/I  XO  THER  leaf  in  life's  mysterious  Book 

To-day  is  turned.      O  friend  beloved,  I  leave 
With  you  these  humble  flowers  to  mark  the  page, 
If  haply  they  may  give  a  perfume  to 
The  place  which  shall  make  fragrant  all  its  leaves. 


CONTENTS. 

Frontispiece —  Thong/it  Portrait. 

Dedication — To  Mary  Baker  Eddy. 

Introduction. 

Salutation. 

FLOWERS  FROM  ARCADY. 

Prelude. 

ADMIRATION — Nasturtium. 

ENCHANTMENT —  Wistaria. 

ENTANGLEMENT — Columbine. 

ASPIRATION —  Violets. 

REMINISCENCK —  Trailing  Arbutus 

DELIGHT — Hepatica. 

NOEL — Leafless  Branch. 

DEVOTION — Clematis. 

S  E  R  E  N  A I )  E Locust. 

COMPANIONSHIP— Ceanatfius. 

CONGENIALITY — Artewesia. 
1 1  OMAGE — Nemopliilii. 
B  ESTO  \VA  L — Strci  wberry. 
ENTREATY — Sweet  Pea. 
GREETING— Maple  Leaf. 
REFUSAL — Snow  Plant. 
D  EJ  ECTI  ( )  N— Cyclamen. 
SOLICITUDE — Mariposa  Lily. 
BENEDICTION — Rhododendron. 
ENDEARMENT — Hellebore. 
A  H  N  EG  AT  I O  N —  Veronica . 
FLIRTATION— .AW  fioses. 
PLEADING—  California  Rose. 


PROTESTATION  -  Fritillaria. 

CONFESSION  -  Trollius. 

BETROTHAL — Grape  Vine. 

CONGRATULATION — Pond  Lily. 

MARRIAGE — Orange  Blossom. 

Ei'iTHALAMU'M— Daisy. 

H o N E Y   Moo N — Heliotrope. 

S  E  PA  R  A T I  o  N  —  Olive  Bran <r/z . 

REMEMBRANCE—  Wild  Rose. 

PATERNITY — Lotus. 

CHRISTENING— /.//r  of  the  Valley. 

ANNIVERSARY — Geyser  Lily. 

COUNSEL  —  ]\Ionkshood. 

RETROSPECTION — Apple  Blossom. 

TWILIGHT—  Datura. 

LULLABY —  California  Poppy. 

TRUST — Ivy. 

L'  Envoi. 
FLOWERS   FROM  THE  SIERRAS. 

Prelude. 

NEW  YEAR  -Saxifrage. 

ST.  VALENTINE'S   T)A.\—Dianthits. 

EASTER  -Easter  Lily. 

MAY  T> \\-Pyrola. 

BIRTHDAY  —  Manzanila. 

CRYSTAL  WEDDING—  Gentian. 

SILVER  WEDDING  -  Cardinal  Flow, 

GOLDEN  WEDDING —  White  Thorn. 

T 1 1  A  N  K  s  c,  i  v  i  N  G  —  Edehceiss. 

CHRISTMAS—  C/irysant/u-wtiw. 

EVENTIDE —  White  Rose. 
FULFILLING   OF   THE    LAW. 

L  Envoi. 

Love' s  Obligation, 


FLOWERS  FROM  ARCADY. 


'T^  HESE  flowers  grow  by  every  wayside,  but  are 
overlooked  by  many,  and  by  some  are  mistaken 
for  weeds.  But  whether  called  weeds  or  flowers,  they 
illustrate  the  various  aspects  and  phases  of  affection 
which  blossom  in  every  life,  and  which,  if  properly 
nurtured,  will  make  more  habitable  the  chambers 
of  memory. 


ROUNDEL. 


"V  ^O  Arcady  hast  never  been  ? 

Then  let  me  give  the  mystic  key, 
The  password  that  shall  take  thee  in 
To  Arcady. 

LO  V E, — Lov>e  that  worketh  charity; 

That  holdetli  all  mankind  as  kin; 
That  beareth  hitman  sympathy. 

L(n>e  is  the  only  door  therein; 

And  Love,  the  "  open  sesame," 
WJiereby  thoit  may'st  an  entrance  win 
To  Arcady. 


ADMIRATION. 

"  Sweetest  eyes  were  ever  seen,' 
is  the  refrain  of  a  sonnet  by 
Camoens  to  his  sweetheart. 

ROUNDEL. 

SWEETEST  eyes  were  ever  seen." 
Could  the  Poet  e'er  devise 
Daintier  praise  than  gave  Catrine 
Sweetest  eyes  ? 

And  which  are  the  sweetest  eyes? 
Soft  and  melting,  lustrous,  keen, 
Merry, — or  demure  and  wise  ? 

Eyes  that  shine  with  light  serene, 

Mirrored  from  Love's  happy  skies — 
Like  thine  own,  dear — are,  I  ween, 
Sweetest  eyes. 


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ENCHANTMENT. 


TRIOLET, 


lu     f   \ 
•jiL-,    • 


'"THE  touch  of  her  dear  hand, 
*•       So  sweet  and  tender. 
Ah  !  how  can  I  withstand 
The  touch  of  her  dear  hand? 
Nor  can  I  understand 

What  charm  doth  render 
The  touch  of  her  dear  hand 

So  sweet  and  tender. 


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After  Herrick. 

f~\    BEE-KISSED  Columbine, 
^-^     Tell  this  sweet  friend  of  mine 
That  she, 
Like  thee, 
Hath  ruby  lip 
Where  I  would  sip, 

Like  wanton  bee. 
And  too,  like  thee, 
She  bends  her  lily  head, 

And  smiles,  but  ties 
My  heart  with  subtle  thread, 
Drawn  from  her  eyes. 
She  prisons  me, 
But  then,  ah  me  ! 
Her  durance  takes  from  me 
All  wish  for  liberty. 

Her  sweet  bond  blesses  me, 
Her  smile  caresses  me, 

And  in  her  gentle  heart  I  lie 
At  rest, 
Caressed 
By  Love's  delicious  lullaby. 


TRIOLET 


\I  7OULD  I  were  a  violet 
'  '        To  lie  on  her  breast. 
Could  I  keep  inviolate, 
If  I  were  a  violet, 
The  secret  that  triolet 

But  partly  confessed  ? 
Would  I  were  a  violet 

To  lie  on  her  breast. 


REMINISCENCE. 

jjr        A   BOVE  the  roar  of  the  crowded  street, 
^  •^^     Above  the  tramp  of  hurrying  feet, 

'ft. 

<*a*^«'      I  heard  a  flower-seller  cry, 

v**' 

iL     "  Arbutus  Blossoms.     Who  will  buy?" 

Arbutus  Blossoms.     They  were  the  flowers 
That  grew  in  boyhood's  happy  hours, — 

The  flowers  we  sought  for  the  May-day 
Fair — 

And  kept  the  best  for  our  sweetheart's  hair. 

How  little  the  flower-seller  knew 

What  wealth  of  fragrance  in  them  grew! 

To  him  they  were  simply  Arbutus  Flowers; 

To  me,  the  memories  of  golden  hours. 

And  so  I  send  them  to  you,  to  wear 
Again,  in  the  old-time  way,  in  your  hair  ; 

'Tis  the  old-time  gift,  with  the  old-time 

greeting, 
My  heart  has  ever  been  repeating. 


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DELIGHT. 


SIMPLY  a  touch  of  the  hand, 
One  little  word; 
Sunshine  spread  over  the  land; 
Then  sang  a  bird. 

Sunshine  may  give  place  to  rain, 
Hope  be  deferred; 

But  through  the  heart's  loss  and  pain, 
Still  sings  the  bird. 


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A  Chime. 

HE  CJiristmas  bells  in  sweet  chimes  still 
Ring,  "Peace  on  earth,  to  men  goodwill." 

May  His  peace  rest  on  thee,  and  keep 

For  thee  that  happy,  blissful  sleep 

He  giveth  His  beloved;  and  bless 
Thee  with  abiding  happiness. 

77/1?  Christmas  bells  ring  sweet  and  clear 
The  loving  tJioug/its  of  all  the  year. 

Dear  friend,  at  "  Merrie  Christmas"  time, 
This  wish  for  thee  comes  with  the  chime 

Of  Christmas  bells,  which  bring  to  me 
Such  sweet  remembrances  of  thee. 

Ring  out,  ring  out,  O  happy  bells, 

TJie  circling  lov>e  Christ's  birtJi  foretells  .' 

And  waft  to  her  the  chimes  that  well 

From  every  belfry  tower,  and  tell 

Her  how  my  heart  with  love  now  swells, 
To  hear  again  these  Christmas  bells. 

Ring  out ,  sweet  bells,  the  Peace  that  dwells 
Above,  and  love  in  us  compels! 

Tell  her  my  thoughts  can  ne'er  abide 

Apart  from  her  at  Christmas  tide; 

But,  like  the  Love  the  season  tells, 
Enfold  her  heart,  sweet  Christmas  bells  1 


T  X  days  gone  by  these  wild  flowers  fair 

Were  made  sweet  messengers  to  bear 
My  homage  and  fond  thoughts  to  you  — 
If  peradventure  they  might  woo 
Your  maiden  fancy  unaware. 


To  me  these  sweet-breathed  blossoms  bear 
Reminders  still  of  that  fond  care 
For  you,  which  in  my  bosom  grew 
In  days  gone  by. 

Your  gentle  look  they  seem  to  wear; 
And  in  their  beauty  I  compare 

The  old-time  charm  they  bring  anew. 

I  wonder  if  they  bring  to  you 
The  message  they  were  wont  to  bear 
In  days  gone  by  ? 


,-/• 


TN  the  soft,  still  night, 

*      Ere  sweet  sleep  has  sealed  the  eyes, 

When  fond  thoughts  sing  light 

Their  delicious  lullabies, 
I  would  tune  Love's  song 

Thy  reluctant  heart  to  win, 
To  the  soft,  caressing  music 
Of  the  Spanish  mandolin. 

Safe  in  Love's  arms  lie, 

By  his  happy  songs  caressed; 
For  the  stars  and  I 

Ever  sentinel  thy  rest. 
May  through  all  thy  dreams 

Run  a  melody,  akin 
To  the  soft,  caressing  music 

Of  my  Spanish  mandolin  ! 


COMPANIONSHIP. 

The  Carnival  is  past. 

The  grand  procession  of  illustrious  knights 
And  stately  dames,  and  all  that  dazzling  throng, 
In  mimic  dress  and  motley  garb,  are  gone. 
But  in  my  heart  a  silent,  yet  more  gay 
Procession  still  keeps  trooping  by — of  sweet 
And  happy  mem'ries — lighted  by  the  glow, 
And  gracious  charm  of  your  entrancing  smile, 
And  keeping  step  to  the  soft  melody 
Of  your  remembered  words.     These  memories, 
Dear  heart,  are  thoughts  of  you,  which  fill  my  soul 
With  an  intenser  joy  than  all  that  rare 
And  brilliant  scene,  and  make  my  daily  life 
One  Carnival. 


CONGENIALITY. 

\\  7 HEN  hearts  so  near  each  other  sail 

Each  sees  the  other's  signal  light, 
Must  they  miss  one  another's  hail, 
Like  ships  that  pass  i'the  night? 


HOMAGE. 

O  \VEET  friend  to  you  this  valentine 
^      I  send, — your  thoughts  to  woo, 
While  it  in  gentle  phrase  bears  mine, 
Sweet  friend,  to  you. 

'Tis  but  an  unpretending  line 

To  mark  the  day,  and  pay  anew 
My  homage  at  Love's  happy  shrine. 

But  why  to-day  send  word  or  sign, 

When  every  day  and  moment  too, 
My  heart  sends  loving  valentine, 

Sweet  friend,  to  you. 


BESTOWAL. 

RONDEAU. 

SUCH  as  I  have  give  I  to  thee; 
No  stately  epic  tit  to  be 
Sung  for  the  world's  approving  ear; 
No  lullaby,  to  charm  a  tear 
From  wistful  eyes  that  watch  for  me. 

Simply  a  thought — but  sent  to  thee 
In  daily  benedicite — 

That  old-time  thought— the  best  of,  dear, 
Such  as  I  have, 

But  couldst  thou  know  how  tenderly 
This  constant  thought  enfoldeth  thee, 

The  lengthening  years  would  bring  no  fear, 

However  far,  I  would  seem  near, 
And  might,  perchance,  bring  thoughts  to  thee 
Such  as  I  have. 


ENTREATY. 


A    BIDE  with  me,  O  gentle  guest. 
**     Thy  presence  brings  to  me  sweet  rest; 
Thy  hands  bring  soothing  to  my  brow 
Thy  words  such  sympathy  avow, 
Thy  going  leaves  me  all  unblest. 

Still  fairer  shall  thy  bower  be  dressed; 
Anticipated  each  request; 

One  song  thy  life  shall  be,  if  thou 
Abide  with  me. 


I  would  not  longer  have  theeguest; 

I  cannot  hold  thee  uncaressed 

So  near  my  heart:    S\veet  love  be  thou 
My  bride;  Love's  tend'rest  name  allow, 

And  ever  in  his  happy  nest 

Abide  with  me. 


CONGRATULATION. 

With  a  copy  of  Tennyson' s  "  Princess." 

ROUNDEL. 

A     PRINCESS  still,  in  royalty 
•**•     Of  high  design  and  purposed  will — 
Though  Cupid's  shaft  found  her  to  be 
A  princess  still. 

Like  her,  dear  friend,  shalt  thou  fulfill 

Love's  over-ruling  destiny; 
Xor  wilt  thou  even  count  it  ill; 


For  thou  shalt  as  before  be  free 
To  follow  ever  thy  sweet  will; 
In  Love's  dominion  thou  shalt  be 
A  princess  still. 


MARRIAGE. 


ROUNDEL. 


T  WILL  thy  lot  and  portion  share  ; 

Will  love  and  honor  thee,  and  fill 
Tlie  measure  of  tJiy  need,  what  e'er 
I  will. 

/This  tender  flower  cherish,  till 
/        In  Heaven  it  blooms  more  bright  and 

fair— 
For  love  in  Heaven  will  blossom  still. 

And  Love's  fair  flower  hath  made  thee  -, 

heir 
To  a  new  life  bevond  death's  chill; 


?1  Eternity  hath  heard  this  dear, 


BETROTHAL. 

RONDEAU 

O   HEART  beloved,  I  dedicate 
The  powers  and  aim  of  man's  estate, 
The  dearest  hopes  of  life  to  thee! 
Thy  happiness  my  care  shall  be; 
On  every  wish  my  love  shall  wait. 

I  sought  thee  not  for  wealth  or  state; 
Though  countless  graces  on  thee  wait, 
Twas  thy  sweet,  loving  self  made  thee, 
O  heart,  beloved. 

If  frowning  fortune  be  our  fate, 
More  tender  and  affectionate 

My  sympathizing  love  shall  be; 

No  ills  that  Heaven  may  decree 
Our  knitted  souls  can  separate, 
O  heart  beloved ! 


LITTLE  birds  who  sing  so  much, 
Teach  me  the  secret  of  your  art, 
That  my  poor  songs,  like  yours,  may  touch" 
Her  heart  ! 

Come  from  your  flowery  retreat, 

And  in  your  song  my  message  bear 
To  her,  who  is  so  gentle,  sweet 

And  fair! 

With  sweetest  songs,  and  pinions  fleet, 

Fly  to  her  window  far  away, 
And  her  reluctant  ear  entreat, 

And  say  ; — 

'  We  bear  Love's  greetings  on  our  wings — 

Fond  wishes,  that  this  day  renew 
The  happy  flowers  Memory  brings 
To  you: 

That  their  sweet  fragrance  e'er  may  bless 
Your  heart;  charm  all  your  tears  away, 
And  bring  you  perfect  happiness 

For  aye' " 


REFUSAL. 


TWAS  said  so  tenderly, 
"  Xo,  dear,  it  cannot  be;" 
Her  gentle  sympathy 

Half  the  hurt  mending. 
Still  'tis  a  grievous  blow  ; 
And  it  is  hard  to  know, 
After  my  caring  so, 

This  is  the  ending. 

Ah,  well   !  another  flower — 
Child  of  both  sun  and  shower, 
Earth's  fairest,  sweetest  dower — 

Mown  by  the  reaper. 
Yet  in  my  memory  pent, 
Stays  that  sweet  flower's  scent, 
And  all  my  prayers  are  blent 

With  one,  "  God  keep  her. 


DEJECTION. 


ROUNDEL. 

J/T/^ HEN  lave  is  done,  is  Nature's  sigh. 

The  Poet  saith,   "  With  dying  sun 
The  world's  light  dies."     But  all  things  die 
When  love  is  done: — 

Ambition's  skies  turn  dark  and  dun; 

The  birds  of  trustfulness  fly  by; 
Hope's  blossoms  wither  one  by  one. 

What  does  the  world's  praise  signify? 
Or,  if  its  prizes  may  be  won  ? 
For  me — I  only  wish  to  die 

When  love  is  done. 


CONFESSION. 

Can  I  (each  thee,  my  beloved? 

Can  I  teach  thee  ? 
Caii  J  bless  t/iee,  my  beloved  ? 

Can  I  bless  thee  ? 
Alas'.   I  can  but  love  thee. 

MRS.  BROWNING. 

THOU  hast  taught  me,  my  beloved, 
Thou  hast  taught  me: 
Taught  me  life's  profounder  meaning, 
Taught  me  honor,  virtue — weaning 
Me  from  all  ignoble  things; 
On  imagination's  wings 
Taught  me  how  to  soar,  and  find 
Rarest  pleasures  in  the  mind; 
Taught  me  life's  dull  incompleteness, 
Without  Love's  renewing  sweetness; 
From  the  height  of  thy  pure  soul 
Taught  me  passion  to  control; 

And  hast  brought  me 
At  thy  gentle  feet  to  learn 
What  thy  clearer  eyes  discern. 

Thou  hast  blessed  me,  my  beloved, 

Thou  hast  blessed  me: 
Blessed  me  with  thy  tender  eyes, 
Which  look  on  me  in  such  a  wise 
My  faint  soul  grows  strong  again, 
As  the  flowers  after  rain, 

And  they  rest  me, 

While  they  more  and  more  enchain. 
Thou  hast  blessed  me  with  thy  words; 
Sweeter  than  the  song  of  birds, 
They  have  soothed  my  weary  brain, 
Banished  every  care  and  pain 

That  distressed  me, 


**, 


And  a  new  strength  put  within  me 
To  resist  delights  that  win  me 
From  the  duty  God  commands. 
Thou  hast  blessed  me  with  thy  hands, 
Which  have  ever  shared  my  toil, 
Heeding  neither  ache  nor  soil, 

And  caressed  me, 
Making  all  my  burdens  lighter, 
And  the  sky  of  hope  still  brighter. 
Dear  hands — only  made  for  smoothing 
Restless  pillows,  and  for  soothing 
Tired  hearts — would  they  were  mine 
To  have  and  hold  by  right  divine! 

Dost  thou  love    me,  my  beloved  ? 

Dost  thou  love  me  ? 
Thou  whom  I  have  from  afar 
Watched  and  worshipped,  like  a  star 

That  above  me 

Shines,  and  yet  may  never  know 
The  blessing  that  its  beams  bestow? 
Thou  hast  taught  me,  thou  hast  blessed  me 
And  with  happiest  thoughts  possessed  me, 

But  to  lcn>e  me 

Is  the  crowning  of  all  blessing; 
Making  me  by  thy  confessing 
Rich  beyond  all  power  to  measure  ; 
•Royal,  crowned  by  thy  sweet  pleasure 
Sovereign  of  a  fair  domain 
I  had  hardly  thought  to  gain. 
Blessing  honor,  rest  thou  art, 
And  with  undivided  heart, 

Dear,  I  love  thee, 

Love  thee  more  than  words  can  tell. 
,And  1  would  that  my  caressing 
Could  bring  thee  as  rich  a  blessing, 
And  forevermore  compel 
Love's  peace  in  thy 
heart  to  dwell. 


PROTESTATION. 

An  Idyl,  a  isord  formed  from  the 
initials  of  t lie  quotation. 

RONDEAU 

T    LOVE  you,  dear,"  forever  be 
*      The  message  of  your  heart  to  me. 
Sweet  heart,  I  have  no  words  to  tell 
The  blissful  thoughts  that  in  me  well 
Whene'er  I  read  your  mystery. 

From  me  you've  learned  Love's  heraldry, 
For  my  enraptured  face  must  be 
Emblazoned  with  his  crest,  so  well 
1  love  you,  dear. 

O  loving  heart,  though  it  may  be 

That  in  this  life  can  never  we 

Join  hands,  in  Heaven  shall  no  farewell 
Love's  perfected  delights  dispel; 

For  time  and  for  eternity 

I  love  you,  dear. 


, 


\. 


SOLICITUDE. 


IKE  one  of  these,  Art  hath  not  made 

Apparel  that  our  eyes  can  please  ; 
Even  Solomon  was  not  arrayed 

Like  one  of  these. 


L1 


Consider  how  they  grow  in  ease 

And    leisure,    dancing  in  the  glade 
Like  butterflies  upon  the  breeze. 

Then  be  not  thou  with  burdens  weighed 

If  He  a  flower's  need  o'ersees, 
Thou,  too,  shalt  on  His  care  be  laid 

Like  one  of  these. 


T  F  words  of  cheer 
1      1  have  not  said, 
Think  not,  my  dear, 
Affection's  dead; 

For  every  day  my  thoughts  send  thee 

The  poet's  "  Benedicite:"- 

\Yith  love  that  flows 

From  Heaven  above, 
And  peace  bestows, 
With  such  a  love 

As  thou  mayst  hear,  and    I  may  say, 
I  greet  thee,  dearest,  far  awav. 


ENDEARMENT 


your  cheek  a  kiss  I  have  dared  to  take, 
Now  give  me  one  for  its  own  sweet  sake. 
There  is  naught  for  which  I  so  much  care, 
As  one  little  kiss  in  which  you  share. 
And,  given  and  taken  in  mutual  desire, 
It  awakens  in  each  that  ineffable  lyre 
That  sings—  and  sings  on,  in  such  exquisite  strain 
That  the  world  is  forgot  with  its  sorrow  and  pain. 
It  lightens  one's  toil,  it  brightens  one's  eyes, 
And  opens  the  gates  of  Paradise. 


REMEMBRANCE. 

KONDELET. 

HTHESE  flowers  of  June 
*       The  gates  of  memory  unbar; 

These  flowers  of  June 
Such  old-time  harmonies  retune, 
I  fain  would  keep  the  gates  ajar, — 
So  full  of  sweet  enchantment  are 
These  flowers  of  June. 


In  spite  of  me 

To-morrow  will 
For  sometime  be 

To-morrow  still; 

But  each  to-morrow  nearer  brings 
The  end  of  all  these  wanderings. 

Therefore,  dear  heart, 

Trust  hopefully; 
Time  cannot  part 

My  thought  and  thee; 
No  distance,  scene,  nor  age  can  stay 
The  love  that  overflows  to-day. 

And,  dear,  in  Heaven 

To-morrows  stay 
Away;   not  even 

A  Yesterday 

Can  ever  come  with  shadowed  brow 
To  darken  that  eternal  Now. 


ABNEGATION. 


RONDBAU. 


your  dear  sake  my  love  would  fain 
Forever  have  your  heart  remain 
As  light  and  innocent  and  pure 
As  when  we  met,  and  kept  secure 
From  every  thought  of  wrong  and  stain. 

Though  passion  may  my  heart  enchain, 
I  will  these  errant  thoughts  restrain — 
Will  every  wayward  wish  abjure, 
For  your  dear  sake. 

And,  though  the  road  lead  through  the  rain 

Of  tears,  in  striving  to  attain 

The  goal  above  temptation's  lure, 
My  love  this  trial  will  endure — 

Will  welcome  every  loss  and  pain, 

For  your  dear  sake. 


FLIRTATION. 

1\JO  marvel  the  Spanish  stranger, 
*  ^  Enslaved  by  your  queenly  air, 
Sent  daily  his  votive  roses 

To  grace  your  room  and  hair. 

I,  too,  confess  to  this  bondage; 

And  the  charm  of  that  fragrant  delight, 
I  would  bring  again  in  my  roses 

To  your  waiting  heart  to-night. 

What  witchery  is  in  rose  scent  ! 

What  rapturous  delight  is  ours, 
When  the  incense  of  Love's  devotion 

First  replaces  the  scent  of  the  flowers? 


Ah  well!  that  rare  enchantment 
For  us  both,  perhaps,  is  dead; 

But  I  would  that  the  Seuor's  roses 
Were  somehow  mine  instead. 

And  so  1  send  you  these  flowers 
To  rewaken  that  exquisite  glow, 

When  the  roses  of  the  Sefior 

Breathed  their  homage  long  ago. 

And  I  dare  to  wish,  as  I  leave  them 
In  the  old  time  way  at  your  shrine, 

That  the  charm  of  the  Senor's  roses 
Might  be  transferred  to  mine. 


SEPARATION. 
E  pitiful 

With  thy  keen  sorrow, 
Inexorable 

And  dread  To-morrow i 
Take  her  in  gentle  arms  each  day; 
Soothe  her  with  thoughts  of  Yesterday! 

Hath  Yesterday 

Lost  all  its  charms 
To  soothe  To-day 

In  her  white  arms? 
The  sun  can  never  set  to-day, 
Behind  the  hills  of  Yesterday. 

Fear  not,  dear  friend; 

Close  to  my  heart 
Until  the  end 

Thou  ever  art: 

Too  close  to  leave  thee  room  to  borrow 
Such  sad  forebodings  of  the  morrow 

While  no  farewell 
Spoken  to-day 
Can  e'er  dispel 

Our  yesterday, 

On  bended  knees  with  thee  I  pray, 
"  Come  back,  come  back,  sweet  Yesterday 


0   '/""* 

l>w 


- 


EPITHALAMIU  M 

OW  in  very  truth  thou  art, 

Sweetheart,  mine  ; 
Mine  to  hold  close  to  my  heart 
Mine  to  have,  and  ever  prove, 
Arcady  is  in  my  love, 

Sweetheart  mine. 


But  before  the  nuptial  door, 

Sweetheart  mine, 
Closes  on  the  nevermore, 
That  first  troth  I  would  approve,  — 
Arcady  is  in  thy  love, 

Sweetheart  mine. 

Folded  in  caressing  arms, 

Sweetheart  mine, 

•  ^Crowned  with  Love's  supremest  charms, 
Thy  content  and  rapture  prove, 
Arcady  is  mutual  love, 

Sweetheart  mine. 


HONEYMOON. 


RONDEAU 


DEAR  heart,  to  you  these  songs  I  bring — 
Affection's  simple  offering, 
And  lay  them  at  your  feet  anew — 
The  echoes  of  sweet  thoughts  of  you 
My  heart  is  ever  cherishing. 

To  you  such  happy  memories  cling, 
My  thoughts,  on  eager,  rapturous  wing, 

Take  flight  in  song  the  whole  day  through 
The  songs  are  happy  songs  I  sing, 
Dear  heart,  to  you. 

These  songs,  may  they  a  fragrance  fling 
About  your  life!     May  flowers  of  spring 

On  every  hand  your  path  bestrew! 

They  will  my  happiness  renew, 
If  rest  and  peace  and  joy  they  bring, 
Dear  heart,  to  you. 


'.  1 

A 


NG. 


'T'HIS  lovely  rose  I  send  ROUNDF.L. 

Saved  from  December's  snows 
Will  not  thy  heart  befriend 

This  lovely  rose? 

Its  leaves  sweet  thoughts  inclose, 
Which  richer  fragrance  lend 
Than  were  it  a  mere  rose. 

Its  sweet-breathed  tale,  dear  friend, 

Must  my  fond  heart  disclose. 
Canst  thou  not  comprehend 
This  lovely  rose  ? 


\ 


All  Idyl,  a  word  formed  from  the 


PROTESTATION. 


RONDEAU 


T    LOVE  you,  dear,"  forever  be 

The  message  of  your  heart  to  me. 
Sweet  heart,  I  have  no  words  to  tell 
The  blissful  thoughts  that  in  me  well 

Whene'er  I  read  your  mystery. 

From  me  you've  learned  Love's  heraldry, 
For  my  enraptured  face  must  be 
Emblazoned  with  his  crest,  so  well 
I  love  you,  dear. 

O  loving  heart,  though  it  may  be 

That  in  this  life  can  never  we 

Join  hands,  in  Heaven  shall  no  farewell 
Love's  perfected  delights  dispel; 

For  time  and  for  eternity 

I  love  you,  dear. 


CONFESSION. 

Can  I  teach  thee,  my  beloved? 

Can  I  teach  thee  ? 
Can  1  bless  thee,  my  beloved  ? 

Can  I  bless  thee  ? 
Alas!  1  can.  but  love  thee. 

MRS.  BROWNING. 

THOU  hast  taught  me,  my  beloved, 
Thou  hast  taught  me: 
Taught  me  life's  profounder  meaning, 
Taught  me  honor,  virtue — weaning 
Me  from  all  ignoble  things; 
On  imagination's  wings 
Taught  me  how  to  soar,  and  find 
Rarest  pleasures  in  the  mind; 
Taught  me  life's  dull  incompleteness, 
Without  Love's  renewing  sweetness; 
From  the  height  of  thy  pure  soul 
""Taught  me  passion  to  control; 

And  hast  brought  me 
At  thy  gentle  feet  to  learn 
What  thy  clearer  eyes  discern. 

Thou  hast  blessed  me,  my  beloved, 

Thou  hast  blessed  me: 
Blessed  me  with  thy  tender  eyes, 
Which  look  on  me  in  such  a  wise 
My  faint  soul  grows  strong  again, 
As  the  flowers  after  rain, 

And  they  rest  me, 

While  they  more  and  more  enchain. 
Thou  hast  blessed  me  with  thy  words; 
Sweeter  than  the  song  of  birds, 
They  have  soothed  my  weary  brain, 
Banished  every  care  and  pain 

That  distressed  me, 


And  a  new  strength  put  within  me 
To  resist  delights  that  win  me 
From  the  duty  God  commands. 
Thou  hast  blessed  me  with  thy  hands, 
Which  have  ever  shared  my  toil, 
Heeding  neither  ache  nor  soil, 

And  caressed  me, 
Making  all  my  burdens  lighter, 
And  the  sky  of  hope  still  brighter. 
Dear  hands — only  made  for  smoothing 
Restless  pillows,  and  for  soothing 
Tired  hearts — would  they  were  mine 
To  have  and  hold  by  right  divine! 

Dost  thou  love    me,  my  beloved  ? 

Dost  thou  love  me  ? 
Thou  whom  I  have  from  afar 
Watched  and  worshipped,  like  a  star 

That  above  me 

Shines,  and  yet  may  never  know 
The  blessing  that  its  beams  bestow? 
Thou  hast  taught  me,  thou  hast  blessed  me 
And  with  happiest  thoughts  possessed  me, 

But  to  love  me 

Is  the  crowning  of  all  blessing; 
Making  me  by  thy  confessing 
Rich  beyond  all  power  to  measure  ; 
•Royal,  crowned  by  thy  sweet  pleasure 
Sovereign  of  a  fair  domain 
I  had  hardly  thought  to  gain. 
Blessing  honor,  rest  thou  art, 
And  with  undivided  heart, 


Dear,  I  love  thee, 

Love  thee  more  than  words  can  tell. 
And  I  would  that  my  caressing 
Could  bring  thee  as  rich  a  blessing, 

f°revermore  compel 
Love's  peace  in  thy 
heart  to  dwell. 


RONDEAU 

HEART  beloved,  I  dedicate 
The  powers  and  aim  of  man's  estate, 
The  dearest  hopes  of  life  to  thee! 
Thy  happiness  my  care  shall  be; 
On  every  wish  my  love  shall  wait. 

I  sought  thee  not  for  wealth  or  state; 
Though  countless  graces  on  thee  wait, 
'Twas  thy  sweet,  loving  self  made  thee, 
O  heart,  beloved. 

If  frowning  fortune  be  our  fate, 
More  tender  and  affectionate 

My  sympathizing  love  shall  be; 

No  ills  that  Heaven  may  decree 
Our  knitted  souls  can  separate, 
O  heart  beloved ! 


CONGRATULATION. 

With  a  copy  of  Tennyson  s  "  Princess." 


A     PRINCESS  still,  in  royalty 
**•     Of  high  design  and  purposed  will- 
Though  Cupid's  shaft  found  her  to  be 
A  princess  still. 

Like  her,  dear  friend,  shalt  thou  fulfill 

Love's  over-ruling  destiny; 
Nor  wilt  thou  even  count  it  ill; 


For  thou  shalt  as  before  be  free 
To  follow  ever  thy  sweet  will; 
In  Love's  dominion  thou  shalt  be 
A  princess  still. 


MARRIAGE. 

ROUNDEL. 
T  WILL  thy  lot  and  portion  share  ; 

Will  lm>e  and  honor  thee,  and  fill 
The  measure  of  thy  need,  ivhate'er 
I  will. 

/This  tender  flower  cherish,  till 

In  Heaven  it  blooms  more  bright  and 

fair— 
For  love  in  Heaven  will  blossom  still. 

And  Love's  fair  flower  hath  made  thee    , 

heir 

^        To  a  new  life  beyond  death's  ch 
Eternity  hath  heard  this  dear, 


EPITHALAMIUM. 

O\V  in  very  truth  thou  art, 

Sweetheart,  mine; 
Mine  to  hold  close  to  my  heart; 
Mine  to  have,  and  ever  prove, 
Arcady  is  in  my  love, 

Sweetheart  mine. 


But  before  the  nuptial  door, 

Sweetheart  mine, 
Closes  on  the  nevermore, 
That  first  troth  I  would  approve, — 
Arcady  is  in  thy  love, 

Sweetheart  mine. 

Folded  in  caressing  arms, 

Sweetheart  mine, 

y  Crowned  with  Love's  supremest  charms, 
^r     Thy  content  and  rapture  prove, 
Arcady  is  mutual  love, 
Sweetheart  mine. 


HONEYMOON. 


RONDEAU. 


r"\EAR  heart,  to  you  these  songs  I  bring — 

••— ^     Affection's  simple  offering, 
And  lay  them  at  your  feet  anew — 
The  echoes  of  sweet  thoughts  of  you 

My  heart  is  ever  cherishing. 

To  you  such  happy  memories  cling, 
My  thoughts,  on  eager,  rapturous  wing, 

Take  flight  in  song  the  whole  day  through; 
The  songs  are  happy  songs  I  sing, 
Dear  heart,  to  you. 

These  songs,  may  they  a  fragrance  fling 
About  your  life !     May  flowers  of  spring 

On  every  hand  your  path  bestrew! 

They  will  my  happiness  renew, 
If  rest  and  peace  and  joy  they  bring, 
Dear  heart,  to 


SEPARATION. 

E  pitiful 

With  thy  keen  sorrow, 
Inexorable 

And  dread  To-morrowi 
Take  her  in  gentle  arms  each  day; 
Soothe  her  with  thoughts  of  Yesterday! 

Hath  Yesterday 

Lost  all  its  charms 
To  soothe  To-day 

In  her  white  arms  ? 
The  sun  can  never  set  to-day, 
Behind  the  hills  of  Yesterday. 

Fear  not,  dear  friend; 

Close  to  my  heart 
Until  the  end 

Thou  ever  art: 

Too  close  to  leave  thee  room  to  borrow 
Such  sad  forebodings  of  the  morrow. 

While  no  farewell 
Spoken  to-day 
Can  e'er  dispel 

Our  yesterday, 

On  bended  knees  with  thee  I  pray, 
"  Come  back,  come  back,  sweet  Yesterday." 


In  spite  of  me 

To-morrow  will 
For  sometime  be 

To-morrow  still; 

But  each  to-morrow  nearer  brings 
The  end  of  all  these  wanderings. 

Therefore,  dear  heart, 

Trust  hopefully; 
Time  cannot  part 

My  thought  and  thee; 
No  distance,  scene,  nor  age  can  stay 
The  love  that  overflows  to-day. 

And,  dear,  in  Heaven 

To-morrows  stay 
Away;  not  even 

A  Yesterday 

Can  ever  come  with  shadowed  brow 
To  darken  that  eternal  Now. 


R  EMEM  BR ANCE. 

RONDELET. 

T^HESE  flowers  of  June 
*       The  gates  of  memory  unbar; 

These  flowers  of  June 
Such  old-time  harmonies  retune, 
I  fain  would  keep  the  gates  ajar, — 
So  full  of  sweet  enchantment  are 

These  flowers  of  June. 


The  lotus,  that  Egyptian  mystery, 
Whose  florvers  have  a  soul  in  every  leaf. 

MOORE. 

A     CLOUD  came  darkening  up  the  West, 
**•     And  as  its  awesome  pall  drew  near, 
It  hushed  the  home  with  vague  unrest, 
And  filled  my  heart  with  nameless  fear. 

I  heard  a  rustle  as  of  wings, — 

And  turning,  saw  Death's  angel  fill 

The  room.     Then  froze  life's  very  springs 
Within  me,  and  my  heart  stood  still. 


The  dreadful  presence,  in  the  gloom, 

Bent  o'er  my  love, — smiled, — and  went  by; 

When  from  the  stillness  of  the  room 
There  faintly  came — a  little  cry. 

And  lo!  from  heaven  an  angel  throng, 
As  on  that  old-time  Christmas  morn, 

Took  up  anew  their  happy  song, 
"  For  unto  vou  a  child  is  born." 


CHRISTENING. 

UFFER  the  children  to 

Come  unto  me  !  " 
In  this,  the  Master's,  woid 
Must  my  trust  be. 

How  can  I  make  my  life 
Spotless  and  sweet, 

That  I  lead  not  astray 
These  little  feet! 

How  can  I,  so  defiled, 
Bound  in  Sin's  bands, 

Ever  be  fit  to  hold 
These  little  hands! 

If  but  my  soul  were  pure, — 
Strong  to  withstand, 

I  might  the  children  lead 
To  Thy  right  hand; 

But  I  am  weak,  and  so 
My  prayer  must  be, 

"SufTer  the  children  to 
Come  unto  Thee!  " 


ANNIVERSARY. 

RONDEAU. 
r  I  "  IIE  bells  \\crc  told  to  ring  in  glee 

The  day  when  first  thou  cam'st  to  be 
Our  home's  delight;  and  in  my  heart, 
By  Love's  supreme,  mysterious  art, 
These  bells  have  rung  unceasingly. 

And  on  this  day  there  comes  to  me 
Anew  the  tender  memory 

Of  that  sweet  joy,  which  but  in  part 
The  bells  were  told. 


Dear  child,  in  whose  sweet  eyes  I  see 
The  Heaven  that  waits  above  for  me, 
How  far  from  me  would  Heaven 

depart, 

How  comfortless  would  be  my  heart, 
If  through  some  darkened  day  for  thee 
The  bells  were  tolled ! 


COUNSEL. 

A   77iirteent/i  Birthday, 

ROUNDEL 

\  I  7HILE  in  your  teens  you  must  reflect 

What  part  you'll  play  before  Life's  scenes: 
And  childhood's  faults  you  must  correct, 

While  in  your  teens. 

Great  things  of  you  we  all  expect, 

In  following  where  your  talent  leans; 
But  this  you  only  can  direct. 

And  you  must  try  and  not  neglect 

Whate'er  is  given  of  helps  and  means: 
Mostly  are  you  Life's  architect, 

While  in  your  teens. 


RETROSPECTION. 


A  I  J  HEN  Love  and  1  went  maying,  all  ablaze 

With  beauty  were  the  woods,  and  blossoming 

sprays 

Dropped  showers  of  petaled  sweetness  on  the  air. 
I  never  knew  the  world  could  be  so  fair, 
Or  that  the  May  could  pipe  such  tuneful  lays.    ^ 


RONDEAU. 


And  heart  and  soul  were  lost  in  such  a  maze 
Of  happiness,  that  evening's  purple  haze 
Stole  down  on  that  sweet  day,  all  unaware, 
When  Love  and  I  went  maying. 

I  said  to  Love,  "  Let  us  not  part;  our  ways 
Are  one."     Love  looked  at  me  with  wistful  gaze, 
And  answered,  "  Where  thou  farest  I  will  fare." 
And  Love  has  kept  through  life  that  promised  care: 
But  memory  treasures  still  those  perfumed  days, 
When  Love  and  I  went  maying. 


TWILIGHT. 


A   S  children,  when  the  day  is  done 
*»     And  twilight  deepens,  one  by  one 
Around  the  evening  fireside  run 

With  happy  faces  ; 

Brightening  the  home  with  restful  cheer, 
And  drawing  every  heart  more  near 
In  perfected  affection's  dear 

And  fond  embraces: 

So  may  sweet  memories  come  to  you  ; 

And  whisp'ring  the  old  love  anew 

May  thoughts  of  those  long  lost  to  view 

Around  you  cluster  ; 
May  their  fond  greetings  so  delight 
That  you  forget  the  gathering  night, 
While  earthly  vistas  grow  more  bright 

With  heavenly  lustre. 

Without  a  thought  of  vain  regret, 
Then  may  these  latter  days  be  set 
In  Joy's  completed  coronet, 

Heaven's  richest  dower 
May  they  with  blessings  be  replete  ; 
And  be,  in  Love's  reunion  sweet, 
The  season  when  loved  memories  meet — 
Life's  twilight  hour. 


P.  baby,  sleep,  while  softly  I 
lullaby ,  sweet  lullaby. 


What  sweeter  song  can  minstrel  sing 
Than  "  lullaby,  sweet  lullaby?" 

For  life's  most  tender  memories  cling 
To  "  lullaby,  sweet  lullaby." 

With  lullaby  on  mother's  breast 

Are  baby's  bright  eyes  lulled  to  rest  ; 
With  lullaby  is  childhood  stayed, 
Its  sorrows  soothed,  its  fears  allayed. 

With  lullaby  love  comes  to  youth, 

And  wraps  him  in  delicious  dreams, 
Until  a  silken  tress,  in  sooth, 

The  only  prize  worth  winning  seems  ; 
From  manhood's  brow  all  troubles  fly 
When    loving  wife    sings  lullaby  ; 

Old  age  gains  strength  and  comfort  when 

This  lullaby  is  heard  again. 

Thus  lullaby  through  childhood's  years, 
Through  youth,  and  manhood  and  old  age 

Soothes  tired  hearts,  calms  foolish  fears, 
And  helps  life's  heaviest  griefs  assauge. 

So  may  sweet  lullaby  impart 

To  you  a  peaceful,  fearless  heart, 

And  when  the  shades  of  death  draw  nigh 
May  you  then  hear  God's  lullaby  ! 


LL 


TRUST. 


RoNDEAr. 

IF  hearts  are  dust,  hearts'  loves  remain, 
And  somewhere,  far  above  the  plane 
Of  earthly  thought,  beyond  the  sea 
That  bounds  this  life,  they  will  meet  thee, 
And  hold  thee  face  to  face  again. 

And  when  is  done  Life's  restless  reign, 
If  I  hereafter  but  regain 

Heart's  love,  why  should  I  troubled  be, 
If  hearts  are  dust. 

By  Love's  indissoluble  chain, 

I  know  the  grave  does  not  detain 

Heart's  love.     The  very  faith  in  me 

Is  pledge  of  an  eternity, 
Where  I  shall  find  heart's  love  again, 
If  hearts  are  dust. 


^  1  ^HA  T  I  migJit  share  with  thee,  dear  friend,  the  sweet 

Enjoyment  Memory  brings,  I've  sought  to  lay 
On  these  fair  pages  little  bits  of  tint 
And  color — here  and  there  a  study,  worked, 
Sometimes  in  smiles,  sometimes  in  tears — if  they, 
Perchance,  might  hold  thy  wandering thoughts  awhile, 
And  lead  thee  back  to  Arcady — and  me. 


PR  ELUDE. 

J~\EAR  friend,  though  seen  by  other  eyes, 

Your  heart  must  read  through  all  disguise , 
What  tender  meaning  underlies 

This  Festal  Greeting. 

For  you  these  humble  flowers  grow; 

To  you  their  sweet-breathed  greetings  go- 

The  message  you  already  knoi.i> 

Once  more  repeating. 


I 


NEW     Y  EAR. 


A  NOTHER  flower  this  day  I  bring— 
**     Love's  unassuming  offering  ; 

Perchance  it  may  a  fragrance  leave, 
That  will  a  pleasant  memory  weave, 
Thiough  all  the  year  now  opening. 

This  day  to  you  fond  wishes  wing  ; 
Dear  heart,  may  their  sweet  blossoming 
In  Life's  fair  garland  interweave 
Another  flower  ! 


RONDEAU. 


And  may  a  quiet  fragrance  cling 
To  every  flower  the  kind  fates  fling 

About  your  path  ;  ne'er  cause  to  grieve 
May  your  contented  heart  receive, 
And  each  succeeding  year  still  bring 
Another  flower  ! 


ST.    VALENTINE'S    DAY. 

7\  l\  V  Valentine  is  old  and  worn, 
*  "  *     Its  freshness  lost,  its  fragrance  shorn; 
But  still  it  holds  some  little  part 
Of  the  warm  love  within  my  heart. 

What  matters  if  its  perfumed  dress 

Has  lost  its  pristine  daintiness  ; 

The  words,  though  old,  are  ever  new 
That  bear  the  message,  "  I  love  you." 


EASTER. 


RONDEAU 


A   RISE  !"  went  forth  a  mighty  Voice,  "all  ye 
**•  That  sleep."  O  earthborn  Lily,  who  told  thee 
To  come  forth  with  the  living  from  the  dead  ? 
The  white-robed  Lily  answered  "  The  great  Head 
And  Heart  of  Nature,  God  Himself,  called  me. 

"  He  said,  '  The  Christ  is  risen  !  '  and  tenderly 
My  earthy  cerements  loosing,  He  bade  me 
Too — following  in  the  way  where  Christ  hath  led — 
Arise!" 

Trust  thou  this  promised  Immortality, 
O,  troubled,  doubting  heart  !  Fear  not  that  He 
Who  wakes  the  lowly  lily  from  her  bed, 
Whose  own  hands  loose  the  graveclothes  from  her 

head, 

Will  Easter  Day  forget  to  say  to  thee, 
"Arise!" 


MAY  DAY. 


A  S  over  the  ledger's  wearisome  page 
On  this  bright  May  morn  I  pore, 
A  faint  but  delicious  fragrance  seems 
To  steal  in  at  the  open  door. 

This  phantom  fragrance  dimly  recalls 
Some  pleasure  that  erstwhile  I've  known; 

I  remember  all  its  bewitching  charm. 
But  the  time  and  the  scene  are  flown. 

Perhaps  'tis  a  breeze  from  Arbutus  flowers, 

That  is  wafted  from  far-away  hills, 
Or,  is  it  some  dear  remembrance  of  home 

The  alembic  of  absence  distills? 

Or,  is  it  the  glove  that  once  lay  on  my  arm, 

So  happy,  confiding  and  dear? 
It  perfumed  my  heart  with  its  exquisite  scent, 

And  I  kissed  it,  it  was  so  near. 

Or,  is  it  the  rose  on  her  bosom  worn  ? 

Ah  me  !  that  fragrance  divine 
Came  more  from  her  womanly  grace  than  the  rose, 

As  I  pressed  her  sweet  lips  to  mine. 

This  fugitive  breath  that  comes  from  the  Past 

Eludes  all  attempts  to  recall; 
L'nless — perhaps — there  it  comes  again; 

Ah  !  now  I  remember  it  all. 

It  is  neither  from  hills,  nor  glove,  nor  rose; 

Tis  a  Maytime  we  both  once  knew — 
A  memory,  dear  heart,  of  the  exquisite  charm 

Of  Love's  sweet  Springtime — and  you. 


Wit h  a   Volume  of  Poems. 

RONDEAU. 

BETWEEN  these  leaves  a  fruitage  grows 
Which  with  Love's  happy  sunshine  glows; 
It  cheers  the  heart,  delights  the  eyes, 
And  with  a  breath  of  Paradise, 
Scents  every  breeze  that  through  them  blows. 

Besides  this  harvest  which  bestows 
On  all  refreshment  and  repose, 
For  you,  another  hidden  lies 

Between  these  leaves  : — 

Friendship,  untouched  by  winter  snows  ; 
Ripened  affection,  that  outgrows 

This  earthly  clime,  and  death  defies  ; 

And  memories  ; — these  but  comprise 
A  tithe  of  what  my  thoughts  enclose 
Between  these  leaves. 


CRYSTAL    WEDDING. 


*\\  7  HAT  can  I  bring  to-day  to  lend 

The  old-time  lustre  to  your  ring? 
That  will  these  twenty  years  commend, 
What  can  I  bring? 

Dear  wife,  I  have  no  offering, 

Except  these  simple  verses,  penned, 
Perchance,  for  your  mind's  pleasuring; 

And  my  true,  faithful  love,  to  tend 
Your  need,  as^v//^  of  your  ring  ; 
And  more  than  this,  my  sweet  life-friend, 
What  can  I  brinp? 


ROUNDEL, 


SILVER    WEDDING. 


ITS  silver  lining  proves  there  must, 
Behind  the  cloud,  be  sunlight  shining  ; 
So  love  still  shines,  though  cares  incrust 
Its  silver  lining. 

Have  thou  no  fear  of  love's  declining  ! 

This  quarter  century  of  trust 
Our  homely  ways  has  been  enshrining  ; 

And  all  the  while,  from  dross  and  rust, 

A  purer  love  has  been  refining, 
Till  \ve  can  never  more  distrust 

Its  silver  lining. 


GOLDEN     WEDDING. 

THESE  wedding  bells  for  fifty  years 
Have  rung  alternate  joys  and  knells 
Till  now  our  deepened  love  endears 

These  wedding  bells. 

These  fifty  years,  dear  wife,  have  brought 

Much  more  of  happiness  than  tears, 
While  love  has  many  lessons  taught 
These  fifty  years. 

Love  taught  us,  dear,  that  hearts  are  worn 
/  Bywords  and  looks,  as  millstones  wear  ; 
)  That  burdens  shared  are  easiest  borne, 

Love  taught  us.  dear. 

As  years  go  by,  with  ruddier  glow 

Shall  Love  adorn  our  sunset  sky  ; 
And  closer  still  our  hearts  shall  grow, 
•3-^    *****       n.          As  years  go  by. 

SSf^ 


THANKSGIVING. 


RONDEAU. 


\  I  7ITHIN  our  hearts  what  happy  mern'ries  well 

To-day,  and  a  new  thankfulness  compel  ! 
The  bygone  years  return  with  only  their 
Remembered  tenderness,  and,  unaware 
Of  age:  and  change,  the  old-time  love  retell. 

But  while  we  feast,  we  cannot  quite  dispel 
Regret  for  lost  ones  whom  we  love  so  well. 
Yet  why  thus  grieve?     There  is  no  vacant  chair 
Within  our  hearts. 

Ah  !  friends,  does  not  this  constant  love  foretell 
Of  future  greeting  for  each  last  farewell  ? 
Even  to-day  we  tread  the  Heavenly  stair, 
And  now  their  Immortality  we  share, 
If  our  beloved  ones  thus  ever  dwell 
Within  our  hearts. 


CHRISTMAS. 

T^HE  Christmas  Bells  from  hill  and  tower 

To-night  their  benedictions  shower; 
And  on  the  waves  of  their  sweet  chimes, 
Fond  thoughts  of  home  and  olden  .times 
Set  sail  through  memory's  Golden  Gate: 
Deep  laden  with  love's  precious  freight, 
They  speed  their  homewrard  course  to-night, 
Across  the  sea  with  Ariel  flight. 

O  you,  who  wait  returning  sails, 
WThose  eyes  hope  long-deferred  o'erveils 
With  lowering  clouds,  take  heart  again! 
For  lo!  unseen  through  mist  and  rain 
Of  tears,  a  thousand  white-winged  keels, 
Afloat  on  billowy  Christmas  peals, 
Seek  haven  in  your  hearts  to-night, 
Home  guided  by  love's  beacon  light. 

Dear  friends,  though  sundered  far  and  wide, 

Though  varied  quests  our  thoughts  divide, 

May  these  rich  argosies  of  love 

My  tender,  faithful  memory  prove; 

May  they  to-night  new  love  awake, 

And  in  this  festal  season  make 

Your  hearts  forget  the  old  farewells, 

In  greetings  brought  by  Christmas  Bells. 


EVENTIDE. 

RONDEAU. 

A   T  eventide  there  shall  be  light." 
'    *•     Why  should  1  ever  fear  the  night? 
God's  love  and  constant  care  attest, 
He  will  not  suffer  me,  His  guest, 
To  thread  the  dark  without  a  light. 

The  light  of  life  is  Love  ;   and  quite 
Content  am  1,  if  but  Love  might 
Be  near,  when  I  lie  down  to  rest, 
At  eventide. 

And  Love,  if  we  but  read  aright, 

Is  God,  who  is  the  Light  of  Light. 
What  fear  have  I  from  Love's  behest, 
When  Love  through  life  hath  made  me  blest  ? 

That  Love,  I  trust  will  be  my  light, 
At  eventide. 


FULFILLING   OF   THE   LAW. 


-'-    'ffs!^'*'/  /'        e  .^i  •:.  V,  .•--•-—       ,'        4     "6   ''i'  '/ 


. 


FULFILLING    OF    THE    LAW. 

'T^O  one,  who  reads  with  an  instructed  heart 
•L          The  book  of  law  that  nature  has  revealed, 
Conviction  comes,  that  He,  wlio guides  the  stars. — 
Who gathereth  into  His  benignant  arms 
The  lambs,  and  feedeth  them, — -who  slumbers  not 
Nor  sleeps, — can  have  no  other  name  than  Love. 
And  love,  this  tender  tinman  lave,  that  walks 
With  us  through  life  in  various  guise,  that  shares 
Our  burdens,  soothes  our  sorrows,  holds  us  even 
Beyond  death's  portal, — is  His  thought,  that  conies 
To  hint  the  measure  of  H is  Umc  and  care. 
T/ie  Master  came,  with  love  ineffable, 
And  told  of  kins/lip  with  that  loving  Law, 
And  taught  a  human  phrase,  "  Our  Father."      Then 
Came  one,  reiterating  that  divine, 
Health-giving  message, — but  in  hming  tones 
Which  waked  t /r.it  other  chord  in  human  hearts. 
That  vibrates  only  to  the  tender  name 
Of  "  Mother," — who  affirmed  identity 
Of  soul  with  God,  demonstrated  the  power 
Of  spirit,  and  bore  witness  in  herself. 
That  Love  is  the  fulfilling  of  the  Law. 
In  Love  she  realize//  Divinity, 

And  straightway  from  that  loving  presence,  taught 
That  Lm>e  is  all  in  all, — -///   U'hom  we  live 
And  move  and  have  our  being  ;  Love,  the  U'av. 
The  Truth,  the  Life  in  earth  as  well  as  Heaven. 


AFTER    WORD. 

LOVE'S    OBLIGATION. 

'  T   Ol'EST  than  me?" 

•*-~*      O  wakened  heart. 

In  this  neiv  love 
What  is  thy  part? 

1st  for  thyself 
Alone  to  keep?— 

The  Blaster  saith, 
' '  Feed  thou  my  sheep. 


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